Student's vulnerable letter to 4th-grade class teacher reveals how kids seek refuge in school

We’ve often heard the quote, “A school is a second home.” The warmth, love, kindness, comfort, and discipline kids receive, along with learning, account for a solid foundation in their lives. A 4th-grade teacher, Molly Miller (@mrsmillerteaches4th), revealed why it's so important to continue to offer this soothing platform for students. In a letter written to her by her student, it was revealed how school became a place of comfort, care, and so much more than just studying. The little girl explained her situation and disclosed that her teacher made it a safe space for her to be. It’s a tear-jerker that has the internet in a chokehold. 

Miller was in tears as she held the letter in her hands. She poignantly noted that many teachers have their “why” for choosing the profession and showing up daily. Reasons like this 4th-grader’s was exactly one of them for her. The letter was titled, “To the teacher I’ll never forget.” The student mentioned how she would never forget Miller because she came into her life at an important time. “School became a place I would survive,” the girl noted, adding that many teachers were quite the opposite. “There were teachers who would make you dread waking up in the morning, teachers who made you count every minute till the bell rang,” she wrote. 

The student went on to explain that maybe teachers didn’t realize that their harsh demeanor was affecting the lives of their students. “Maybe they did and they didn’t care,” she added. She then made a heartbreaking remark. “For the longest time, I thought that’s how school was supposed to be — Heavy, draining, something you have to push through because you have to.” But then something changed for this little girl. “And then there was you,” she said, referring to Miller. She specifically mentioned how the teacher didn’t just “teach lessons but became one.”

The girl noted how she’d try to make it through the end of each day with “smiles and late assignments.” But Miller noticed the real reason behind it. “You noticed the days I was tired and quieter. You noticed the days I talked less. You noticed the days I sat a little smaller than I usually did. You noticed when no one else did,” the girl said. Miller’s simple action of thoughtfulness and care made the girl feel like she “mattered.” Through the smallest everyday gestures, she was given reassurance that she isn’t alone. “You made school feel less like a battlefield and more like a place where I could breathe,” she remarked.

Miller didn’t just offer kindness. To that struggling 4th grader, she offered self-esteem, belief, and so much more. In conclusion, the girl noted that she will never forget how her teacher became her strength and helped her carry on. “Even though the world is full of teachers, you’re the one that I’ll take with me. You’re the one I will always be grateful for after I leave the room. The one person who proved that one person can change the way you see yourself, the future, and the world around you.” In tears, Miller explained that this is why she shows up every day.

“I have no idea where she got these words, but knowing that I came to mind as she wrote them makes me feel as if my calling is continuing to be fulfilled,” she wrote in the caption. People were moved to tears by her kindness and the life-saving impact she had. @secondgrade.sunflowers said, “This was beautiful and what a tribute to the wonderful teacher you must be for your students and the difference you made in that student's life!” @wenikic added, “I'm so thankful for you and that you do what you do. You are amazing.” 

You can follow Molly Miller (@mrsmillerteaches4th) on Instagram for more content on teaching, kindness and empowering. 

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This article originally appeared 1 day ago